Transition of Leadership

Dear Friends:

I would like to announce that after 23 years of leadership, La Casa de Don Pedro’s Executive Director, Raymond Ocasio, will be departing. Peter T. Rosario, most recently President and CEO of Ocean County YMCA, was appointed La Casa’s new President and CEO, effective August 16th. Ray and Peter have been working very closely together to support a seamless transition until Ray’s departure on September 17th.

Through his vision, organizational strategy and execution, Ray has strengthened La Casa enormously: increasing our annual operating budget from $3 million to $26 million. He has expanded and professionalized La Casa’s early childhood programs, from its history as a daycare program to becoming one of the City’s premier Pre-K programs, and then growing the program to incorporate the Federal Head Start program. He set the agency’s agenda for high quality affordable home ownership development, as well as various initiatives to revitalize and improve the quality of life of Newark’s Lower Broadway neighborhood. Statewide, Ray is recognized for his leadership and advocacy in community development, affordable housing, and early childhood education. Speaking on behalf of the entire La Casa team, we can’t thank Ray enough for his service and leadership.

With deep experience advocating for marginalized communities and mobilizing volunteers, our new CEO Peter T. Rosario is well poised to lead the organization, advance its vision, navigate the organization’s growth, maintain a high level of excellence, and continue to sustain La Casa’s relevance to the Greater Newark community.

Peter has distinguished himself in multiple operational, fundraising, and executive leadership roles over a 25-year career with the YMCA and the Boy Scouts of America. As President and CEO of the Ocean County YMCA in Toms River, NJ, Peter led a turnaround effort, which moved the YMCA from the brink of closure toward becoming a revitalized and vibrant movement of over 10,000 members and serving as Ocean County’s leading provider of childcare, aquatics, and wellness programs.

Prior to the Ocean County YMCA, Peter served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the YMCA of Newark and Vicinity.

Peter resides in Passaic, NJ where he served two terms on the Passaic City Board of Education and served as President, Vice President, and Chairman of five committees during his tenure. He and his wife have two adult children. He is also a proud “papa” to his granddaughter. Peter is a native of the Bronx and a graduate of Fordham University.

You will learn more about Peter in our press release we will be issuing next month and other onboarding events.

Warmest Regards,

Arcelio Aponte
La Casa de Don Pedro Board Chair